Two young boys in Wisconsin, aged 7 and 9, managed to escape from a house where they were allegedly confined and neglected for years, leading to the arrest of their mother and her boyfriend.

The children were spotted by a neighbor after they broke a window, climbed onto an air conditioner unit, and jumped into the yard. They were naked and covered in blood, prompting the neighbor to call 911. Witnesses described the boys as appearing to have never been outside before, with unkempt hair and an unfamiliar gait.

Katie Koch and Joel Manke (Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office)

According to Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Mallory Davis, the house where the boys lived was like something out of a horror movie. (Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office)

This view shows the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Wisconsin. (Google Earth)

The mother, 34-year-old Katie Koch, and her boyfriend, 38-year-old Joel Manke, are facing multiple felony charges related to child neglect and false imprisonment. The inside of the house was reportedly filled with garbage and the overwhelming stench of feces. The boys’ room, which could be locked from both the inside and outside, was smeared with feces. Authorities say the boys were confined to this room, with boarded-up windows, for a significant portion of their lives. Koch allegedly admitted to police that the living conditions were unacceptable and that her sons deserved better. Manke reportedly acknowledged the deplorable state of the home but claimed he avoided confronting Koch to prevent arguments. He also stated that the boys hadn't received medical attention or attended school since Koch moved in.

The children are now in protective custody and receiving the necessary care, including medical attention. Assistant District Attorney Mallory Davis described the boys as severely impacted by the alleged neglect, lacking basic life skills and education. If convicted on all charges, Koch and Manke could face substantial fines and decades in prison.